DOD approves military post extension for undocumented children

FT. SILL, Okla._ The Department of Defense has officially approved a request that will house undocumented children on military posts for longer than first planned.

What was originally described as a four-month mission will now be extended until at least January 31, 2015. A Ft. Sill spokeswoman said Friday night her office has not received official confirmation of the extension. Ft. Sill is one of three installations across the country housing the undocumented children. The other facilities are in Texas and California.

Republican lawmakers are challenging the request, saying the decision to continue using military posts to house undocumented children will put a strain on troops and threaten military readiness.

The number of unaccompanied minors at the Ft. Sill shelter has dropped to 669 kids.

More than 1,100 children have been released from that facility to a verified sponsor or parent in the states.

President Obama met with the presidents of Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras on Friday about a pilot program that would allow the United States to determine whether someone is eligible for asylum while that person is in their home country.

The goal is to reduce the number of immigrants trying to enter the United States illegally. President Obama also encouraged the Central American leaders to do more to disrupt human smuggling networks in their countries. In return, those leaders are seeking u-s financial assistance.